Welcome! My name is David Tomen, and I am the author of NootropicsExpert.com, my books Head First 2nd Edition – The Complete Guide to Healing & Optimizing Your Brain with Nootropic Supplements and (FREE!) Secrets of the Optimized Brain, and my Nootropics Expert YouTube channel.
I started Nootropics Expert® in January 2016. You can learn more about my story and why I started Nootropics Expert over on my About Page.
You can quickly see the nootropic supplements that I personally use every day on this page: What I Take
And if you’re in a hurry, go to this page to Buy Nootropics.
I also do Personal Consultations if you could use some help choosing the best nootropic supplements for you. You’ll find my calendar here: Nootropics Expert Consultations
How Nootropics Can Help You
You can end your search now. Because here on Nootropics Expert you’ll find the help you have been searching for. No matter the brain health problem that is making your life miserable.
Here you’ll find information on this List of Nootropics which has dozens and dozens of links to nootropic supplement reviews that I’ve written, and update as soon as new science becomes available. In a language that is easy to understand.
You’ll learn where each supplement comes from, how it works, the benefits you can expect, how much you should use and how often, possible side effects, and how to select from dozens of options – which one to buy.
NOTE: Every single word on Nootropics Expert is written by me. It’s not an AI or a contract copywriter.
You will also discover that everything I write about a supplement is supported by peer-reviewed clinical studies. You will not find links to other websites or blogs.
Instead, you will find dozens of clickable links in each supplement review and article to supporting and relevant clinical studies.
So you have the option of reading the same research I found and used to write my reviews and articles.
My hope is that if you’re overwhelmed by the fragmented information for nootropics spread across several websites, you can end your search on what has become the best nootropics website.
Quickly find out how one nootropic may interact with another. Which ones are safe. And which nootropic supplements have side effects. I will cover all that here.
Use my Nootropics Guide to get more familiar with the top nootropics and different types of cognitive enhancers and what they do. Soon you’ll be able to safely build your own nootropic stack.
I’m happy you’re here. Because you should be able to find everything you need to know about nootropics on Nootropics Expert. No need to go anywhere else.
Armed with this knowledge you can choose the best nootropics for you, and finally start experiencing the benefits you’re working to achieve.
Where to Buy Nootropics
Once you’ve decided which nootropic supplements you’d like to try, how do you know which is the best supplement to buy?
I’ve done the homework for you and put together a list of nootropic brands and supplements. Most of which I personally use and highly recommend.
You’ll find the highest quality, purest nootropic supplements on this page.
The Definitive Guide to Nootropics
A nootropic is a substance that enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning.
Neuro-hacking and the research behind brain modulation, nootropics, and biohacking in general is a constantly evolving and improving science.
We cover all that in The Definitive Guide to Nootropics.
The Big List of Nootropics
Nootropics cover a broad category of compounds with cognitive boosting properties.
They have minimal side-effects and are appropriate for long-term use.
The Big List is a quick reference guide for nootropics. Learn what it’s for, how it’s used, side effects, interactions and dosing suggestions.
The Best Nootropics
Achieving brain optimization comes with a lot of trial and error. Experimenting to see what works best for you. But spend enough time in the nootropics community, and you begin to see patterns develop.
After you try the latest edition to the racetam-family of nootropics. Most biohackers settle into the nootropic that works best for each category of; cognition & focus, memory, energy & motivation, anxiety & depression, and brain repair & maintenance.
The “Best Nootropics” page is a distillation of what I have found to be the best nootropics for each category of brain optimization. You’ll find a list of the best nootropic compounds for each category. And links through to more detailed articles for each category.
Join The Discussion - 1,837 comments
Deborah
September 25, 2020
Hi David,
I am using Nutrivita Mucuna 100% L-Dopa 250 mg. in the morning for my PD symptoms. It helps my impaired gait and arm swing for about 4 hours. Afterward, when I come home for the day I am wondering if I should continue dosing this every four hours even though I don’t mind limping when I am home. I am wondering if it is important to keep the dopamine levels high even when the symptoms of PD don’t bother me so much in the house? Is it preferable to take as little L-Dopa as possible or better to keep levels high throughout the day? Thank you so much for your kind response.
David Tomen
September 25, 2020
Deborah, thank you! I’ve been looking for an extract like this and now I know where to look!
The only caution I’d offer is using this L-DOPA too late in the day will very likely cause insomnia. Because your body uses dopamine primarily during the day.
While I don’t need to deal with PD I am Adult ADD and do use Mucuna and L-Tyrosine. But never later than 4 PM.
Deborah Nelson
September 26, 2020
Thank you so much David. Do you think it is important to take another dose or two (before 4 pm as you advise) even if I am just at home and don’t mind the impaired gait around the house? Would you advise that to keep dopamine level more steady throughout the day for some reason? I guess what I’m asking is – it is preferable to take as little as possible and as few doses as possible or is it better to have steady dosing? Sorry that i’m so confused! All the best, Deborah
David Tomen
September 28, 2020
Deborah, I’m not a doctor and certainly not an expert on Parkinson’s. But I do know that our body uses dopamine all day long. And the half-life of precursors to make dopamine is only a couple of hours.
Dopamine levels can’t be completely steady during the day. It depends on what demands we put on our body that require dopamine. But we can do our best to provide the tools our body requires to make dopamine so that it can be used as needed.
When our body does not have access to the dopamine it needs we suffer because of it. I’m Adult ADD and use L-Tyrosine and Mucuna Pruriens (30%) morning, noon and at 4 PM. And that keeps me steady during the day.
Seems to me that if you’re allowing an “impaired gait” that is not how your body prefers to function. And if we have the option of doing something about it then we should.
Deborah Nelson
September 26, 2020
Hi David,
Also wondering do you take Mucuna and L-Tyrosine together? Thanks so much! Deborah
David Tomen
September 28, 2020
I do use L-Tyrosine and Mucuna together 3-times per day.
Deborah Nelson
September 28, 2020
Again, thanks so much David for your kind reply. Which Mucuna 30% do you use? Perhaps it would be good for me to use it in addition to the Nutrivita 100% L-Dopa in order to get the other nutrients in the Mucuna plant? Thanks!
David Tomen
September 29, 2020
Deborah, I’ve been using mucuna pruriens from NusaPure: https://amzn.to/2GhmueS. But for you there is no benefit in combining a weaker extract with the one you are using now. It would be more beneficial to add some of the more fundamental nutrients to what you’re using now. Like a high quality multivitamin. The B-Vitamins, Vitamin C and magnesium in the multi would help your body use the L-DOPA extract more effectively. Like this one: https://bit.ly/2EIyhCA
Felipe
September 19, 2020
hello david is Felipe again. Thanks for responding about the ssris. I wonder if antpsychotics like olanzapine, quetiapine, risperdal are nootropic. I take quetiapine and feel an improvement in cognition. Are they able to do that? Thank you very much and have a great weekend
David Tomen
September 19, 2020
Felipe, there are prescription pharmaceuticals that likely improve cognition. But it still doesn’t make them “nootropics” in my definition. Because they are not natural.
Ron
September 17, 2020
Hi David
Just was reading over your article >>https://nootropicsexpert.com/the-nootropic-benefits-of-medicinal-mushrooms/
And I learned something new:) I was not aware of the difference between mycellium and fruiting body. Great info. And I just learned that my Host Defense Lions Mane has mycellium in it and no mention of fruiting body.
Question…. On my Cordyceps bottle it list neither. It just says Cordyceps spp. 1040mg. Any idea what the spp. is or means?
Thanks
David Tomen
September 17, 2020
Ron, if the bottle does not specifically state that it is the fruiting body you can be sure it’s the mycelium.
I believe Cordyceps ssp. is a strain between Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps cicadae: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10286020.2018.1451518?journalCode=ganp20
Felipe
September 15, 2020
Hi David how are you?
David do ssris is a nootropic? This medication can improve cognition ?
David Tomen
September 16, 2020
Felipe, SSRIs are so far from a nootropic it’s downright terrifying. Because of the long-term damage they do to neurons, receptors, synapses, altered gene expression and messed up ion channels.
SSRIs harm cognition in so many ways that it’s criminal in my opinion. I realize that some people benefit from them. But most do not. Or there are often far better natural nootropic alternatives.
Cody
September 15, 2020
Hi, I am wondering what you could recommend for premature ejaculation. I have read that stimulating the 5-HT2c receptors and inhibiting the 5-HT1a receptors delays ejacultion. I have read somewhere else that you recommended Cat’s Claw, but didn’t see anything specific about those receptors, rather a 5-ht increase. Would Tryptophan then have a similar effect or would it help at all?
Also there are studies on PDE5 inhibitors being just as effective as SSRI for IELT, probably because they relax the smooth tissue involved in ejaculation. are there any nootropics that inhibit PDE5 just as well as the prescription drugs that you think could potentially work? There is the 90% Icariin extract, but I have not seen any studies on it. And there is also something like Rutin or Quercitin and potentially even Berberine which has shown PDE5 inhibition similar to Sildenafil in some studies, but I question whether it would give the same effect as Viagra. Is the supplemental Rutin that we can buy strong enough to inhibit PDE5 to a similar degree as Sildenafil? Or is there any thing else (non-prescription) that works as a PDE5 that you would recommend?
I have tried Phenibut as some has said it works, but it has not helped.
Thanks!
David Tomen
September 15, 2020
Cody, this is not my area of expertise. There are studies with Berberine and PDE5 in rats. But I haven’t seen any that worked in humans. Nothing like Sildenafil.
A couple of nootropics effect PDE1 or PDE4 but nothing like prescription drugs for ED or premature ejaculation.
cody deboer
September 23, 2020
L-Tryptophan definitely worked, but taking it caused a great amount of anxiety, higher heart rate, and insomnia. 5-HTP can increase cortisol, so that makes sense. Any tips for the increase in cortisol/anxious/restless effects from Tryptophan or 5-htp?
David Tomen
September 23, 2020
Cody, it sounds like L-Tryptophan is not for you. Because those are signs of excess serotonin. Only thing you can do is not use it.
Caleb Strohl
September 14, 2020
Hi David, first, I want to thank you greatly for the resources you’ve published. They’ve been of inestimable value to me. If I ever have any money I would love to donate to you. Now I will try to succinctly get to the point: With the neurological issues caused by COVID-19, I have serious concerns of my family members getting it, especially my teenage brother and sister. I (and many others I’m sure) would find it extremely valuable if you could make some recommendations for nootropics that might be effective for recovering from the neurological impairments brought on by COVID and as well as what things from the aforementioned category are considered safe for children. I have specific concerns about the effects of psychotropic compounds on adolescent minds. Stimulants come to mind. Thanks so much for your time, and be well.
David Tomen
September 14, 2020
Caleb, the only thing that I’ve seen from the nootropics world that has some efficacy related to COVID-19 is Black Seed Oil. There was one study and you may find a link to it in the comments thread for Black Seed Oil.
Other than that we don’t know enough about what COVID-19 does to the human brain to be able to come up with something that would work to repair the damage. A very broad approach I suppose would be any anti-inflammatory and anything that could boost Nerve Growth Factor or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Use the search function above the top menu to search for either of those keyword phrases.
We like to think we’re on the cutting edge of neuroscience here at Nootropics Expert. But for this it’s just too new to have any real answers.
Some Epic Name
August 17, 2020
Hi, David! Are you by any chance familiar with BPC-157, and if so, would you mind sharing your thoughts on it? Some sources claim it’s one of the most effective compounds for healing intestines, tendons, bones and more, so I might try it considering I clearly have some unidentified connective tissue disorder. Again, I know that’s not your primary focus, but thought I’d ask in case you have any insights on the compound, which after all also purportedly has nootropic effects…
Oh, and I got the Maitake I was to report back on so late I’ve only been using it for a week so far, so can’t yet tell whether that is helping me.
David Tomen
August 17, 2020
Never heard of BPC-157 but it looks promising. It’s a combination of 15 amino acids with a number of clinical studies behind it. Including this one healing rats’ tendons: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21030672/
And for the Maitake, it may take awhile before you experience the benefits of this mushroom. As long as you got a quality supplement. Most mushroom supplements on the market are worthless because they use the cheap mycelium and not the fruiting body. The mycelium doesn’t contain much in the way of beta-glucans. And won’t provide any benefit. Make sure your Maitake is extracted from the fruiting body only.
Some Epic Name
August 18, 2020
Thanks. I think I’ll stick to my current stack for now, but might try BPC-157 next if I’m still chronically unsatisfied some month from now. I’ve only found one website that ships to my country that sells supposed BPC-157 in spray form, and that company has previously been exposed for selling FAKE p21 indicating they are not the most trustworthy company out there, but hey, if I end up trying their supposed BPC-157 and it kills me I technically can’t complain, can I? 😉
Tomas
August 13, 2020
Hi David, thanks a lot for y work here 🙂 It’s pretty amazing what y doing.
I have one question about intermittent fasting and adrenal receptors. Context ADHD ofc.
My base line idea is: when i do intermittent fasting i don’t drink caffeine or other stimulants because it can sort of “damage” adrenal receptors and long term cause lower impact from stimulants and even energy dips during the day and hormonal imbalance over all. Im not sure how describe it precisely. Other words i must did caffeine and all stimulants detox-stop for over 1,5 month to heal my adrenal receptors when i do IF + caffein for long time.
I did IF + low carb beacouse it work great for my ADHD first half of year, but later it’s casuse cortisol ishue.
When i was fasting and taking Modafinil it was great, but after first meal at 12 come energy crash and after that i dont feel Modafinil at all and was all burn out and tired, even i take additional 100mg of Modafinil after 12.
Soo basicly my question is: Is it good idea do Fasting and take some stimulants with ADHD, or it’s more dangerous and can cause adrenal sensitivity badly and significantly increase cortisol?
And what do y think about Keto diet? it could help protect neurons and the brain in general, or it’s not so good for ADHD brain?
Btw. Sorry for my english, i can only speak, but my spelling is disaster. It’s not my native language.
David Tomen
August 14, 2020
Tomas, what you you mean by “intermittent fasting”? Because I consider anytime you go 12 hours without food as intermittent fasting. Is that what you mean? Or fasting for longer periods of time?
We have plenty of studies that show intermittent fasting benefits certain diseases or health problems. But not long-term. Unless you’re talking about fasting overnight as intermittent fasting.
I think the Mediterranean Diet is much better for overall cognition compared to the Keto Diet.
The Keto Diet is a great weight loss tool or treating specific diseases. But not for long-term use in my opinion.
Our body and brain loves to be “in balance” and not jerked around hour to hour. Especially when dealing with something like ADHD. This type of brain requires ongoing and hourly support to be more like “normal” people.